ArticleBMJ global health2025
Digital interventions for common mental health problems among older adults in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review.
Article in BMJ global health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed.
- Assessing the Inclusion of Music Therapy and Music Interventions in National Dementia Strategies and Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Scoping Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Gamification, Exergames, and Digital Games in Older Adults Aged 75 and Over: Evidence on Well-Being, Quality of Life, and Social Engagement-A Scoping Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- IoT-Based Intervention and Home Support to Address Frailty-Related Vulnerability and Well-Being in Older Adults Living in Rural Areas.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Digital Isolation and Depression Risk in Older Adults Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study Database: 8-Year Longitudinal Study.JMIR aging · 2025Article
- Prevalence and associated risk factors for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness among the geriatric population in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.BMC psychiatry · 2025Article
- Remote Virtual Interactive Agents for Older Adults: Exploring Its Science via Network Analysis and Systematic Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Global trends and health inequalities in mental disorders among older adults: a comprehensive analysis using global burden of disease 2021 data.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe proportion of older adults is projected to rise dramatically in most parts of the world, and in 2050, 80% of all older adults (≥65 years) will reside in low- and middle-income countries. Developing digital interventions tailored to this population will be a crucial part in appropriately addressing the challenges associated with the upcoming demographic changes. The objective of this scoping review was to map all published research on digital interventions for common mental health problems among older adults conducted in low- and middle-income countries.
methodsWe conducted a literature search in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library) and conducted hand searches of existing reviews and reference lists of included studies. Eligibility criteria were that (1) the study investigated or discussed digital interventions for common mental health problems (depression, anxiety, sleep problems and/or substance use problems), (2) the study concerned older adults (at least 60 years or older), (3) the study was conducted in a low- or middle-income country and (4) the study was published in English in a peer-reviewed academic journal. Two reviewers independently screened, reviewed and extracted data.
resultsOut of 1344 identified studies, 6 were included. The hand searches rendered no additional studies, leaving a total of six included studies. Four of these studies included quantitative data: of these, three were randomised controlled trials and one was a feasibility study. All focused on depression/loneliness and were published in middle-income countries (South Africa, Brazil and Turkey), and showed promising results in terms of reductions in social isolation and depression. In addition, two expert opinions had been published, both also conducted in a middle-income country (India).
conclusionDespite the projected demographic transition, surprisingly little research appears to have been conducted on digital interventions for common mental health disorders among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/bmdnv Open Science Framework.
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